OSHA Settles Challenge to Hexavalent Chromium Standard, Will Issue
Letter of Interpretation
http://www.ohsonline.com/articles/48240
May 23 2007
ON
May 21, OHSA signed an agreement with the National Association of
Manufacturers (NAM), the Specialty Steel Industry of North America
(SSINA), Public Citizen Health Research Group (HRG) and the United
Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied
Industrial and Service Workers International Union (Steelworkers). This
agreement settles NAM and SSINA's challenge to OSHA's hexavalent
chromium standard (NAM
et al. vs. OSHA, 3d Cir, Docket Nos. 06-2272 and
consolidated cases).
As a result of the settlement, OSHA will issue a letter of
interpretation addressing specific questions NAM and SSINA presented to
OSHA regarding the agency's new hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) standard
for general industry. The letter will be issued by the agency's
Directorate of Enforcement Programs.
On or before May 24, 2007, NAM and SSINA will be filing a motion with
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit to withdraw their
petition for review of the Cr(VI) standard. OSHA, HRG, and the
Steelworkers have agreed not to oppose any motion NAM and/or SSINA may
file to intervene in support of the Cr(VI) standard in the remaining
cases. |